Gunther Schuller: Dramatic Overture For Orchestra (Study Score)

The multitalented conductor, jazzman and author brought unaccustomed depth to his compositions. Here, Schuller has a field day with Berlioz, not only adhering to the structure of his overture style, but evoking the spirit of the originals by seizing upon melodic fragments and even emulating the leaping strings and blaring brass of the orchestration. The result is respectful but a load of fun, a typically sassy American view of Old World culture shaped to modern taste.